Annapolis maritime apprenticeship application moves toward state review; employers and MTAM seek September approval

The Economic Matters Committee received an update on a new one-year maritime apprenticeship program coordinated by the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) and local employers.

MTAM, Port Annapolis Marina and Diversified Marine Services have worked with Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation staff to prepare an application for the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC). Committee members were told the MATC application is detailed and includes on-the-job training plans tailored to each employer, a related-instruction outline drawing on in-house training and approved providers, and a progressive wage schedule intended to reach an experienced marine technician pay rate of about $24 per hour by program completion.

Staff noted the MATC reviewers are satisfied with the draft application and plan to present the program to the council in September, contingent on one pending item: the employer Diversified Marine's parent company (OASIS Experiences) must submit its 2025 annual report to the state registry to maintain standing before MATC consideration. Committee members suggested a media outreach plan and city participation in announcing the program if MATC approves it.

Why it matters: Apprenticeship programs create a channel for local employers to train entry-level technicians with employer-led related instruction and wage progression. Employers and workforce navigators told the committee they will use the months before the MATC meeting to develop applicant outreach and publicity.